This short film was scripted and directed by John Bell, a Dad who is part of Midlothian Sure Start’s Dads’ Group, funded by Big Lottery Scotland. If you didn’t make it to the world premiere showing in Edinburgh on 16th December, here’s a chance to see the film for yourself.
It emerged from a discussion by Dads on the emotional challenges of Christmas. The Dads Coordinator for Midlothian Sure Start, Tim Porteus says, ‘The film powerfully recognises the emotional pain of Christmas for parents in this situation, but has an uplifting message about making the best of time they have.’
John Bell is a dad who has additional challenges because of a condition which means he has chronic and disabling pain. John states, ‘The pain I have is another angle I came at this. I’ve done my best not to allow my physical pain to be an issue for my children. In the same way, the simple message in the film is we understand the emotional pain for parents in this situation, but being a parent is also about putting our children first, and sometimes being creative in how we can do that, even in challenging circumstances.’
The film lasts 30mins and was filmed over three days last year. John’s pain levels got too much to be able to edit it for last Christmas, but has managed to complete it just in time for this Christmas.
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